U.S. patent number 11,270,114 [Application Number 16/499,675] was granted by the patent office on 2022-03-08 for ar device and method for controlling the same.
This patent grant is currently assigned to LG ELECTRONICS INC.. The grantee listed for this patent is LG ELECTRONICS INC.. Invention is credited to Dongog Min, Daemyeong Park.
United States Patent |
11,270,114 |
Park , et al. |
March 8, 2022 |
AR device and method for controlling the same
Abstract
Disclosed is an AR device and method for controlling the same.
According to the present disclosure, an augmented reality (AR)
device comprises a frame supported by a user's head, a processor
providing an AR image, a display connected with the frame and
overlaying and displaying the AR image received from the processor
on a real world, a marker generator generating a marker
corresponding to an AR object, and a marker display displaying the
marker generated by the marker generator. The AR device of the
present disclosure may be associated with an artificial
intelligence module, a robot, a virtual reality (VR) device, a
device related to a 5G service, and the like.
Inventors: |
Park; Daemyeong (Seoul,
KR), Min; Dongog (Seoul, KR) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
LG ELECTRONICS INC. |
Seoul |
N/A |
KR |
|
|
Assignee: |
LG ELECTRONICS INC. (Seoul,
KR)
|
Family
ID: |
1000006163200 |
Appl.
No.: |
16/499,675 |
Filed: |
August 30, 2019 |
PCT
Filed: |
August 30, 2019 |
PCT No.: |
PCT/KR2019/011218 |
371(c)(1),(2),(4) Date: |
September 30, 2019 |
PCT
Pub. No.: |
WO2021/040106 |
PCT
Pub. Date: |
March 04, 2021 |
Prior Publication Data
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|
|
Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
|
US 20210209364 A1 |
Jul 8, 2021 |
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06V
20/20 (20220101); G06F 3/04815 (20130101); G06T
7/73 (20170101); G06F 3/013 (20130101); G06T
19/006 (20130101); G02B 27/0176 (20130101); G06T
2207/30204 (20130101); G02B 2027/014 (20130101); G02B
2027/0138 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
G06T
7/73 (20170101); G06F 3/04815 (20220101); G02B
27/01 (20060101); G06K 9/00 (20220101); G06F
3/01 (20060101); G06T 19/00 (20110101) |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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10-2009-0087807 |
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Aug 2009 |
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KR |
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10-2012-0005879 |
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Jan 2012 |
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KR |
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10-2012-0086794 |
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Aug 2012 |
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KR |
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10-2015-0026375 |
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Mar 2015 |
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KR |
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10-2019-0095334 |
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Aug 2019 |
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KR |
|
Primary Examiner: Patel; Jitesh
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Birch, Stewart, Kolasch &
Birch, LLP
Claims
The invention claimed is:
1. An augmented reality (AR) device, comprising: a frame supported
by a user's head; a processor providing an AR image; a display
connected with the frame and overlaying and displaying the AR image
received from the processor on a real world; a marker generator
generating a marker corresponding to an AR object; a marker display
displaying the marker generated by the marker generator; and an eye
sensor detecting the user's pupil, wherein the processor determines
position and/or depth information for a real-world object where the
user is to display the marker based on information provided from
the eye sensor, and transfers an instruction to the marker display
to enable the marker to be displayed on the real-world object where
the user is to display the marker.
2. The AR device of claim 1, wherein the marker display projects a
marker image to the real world.
3. The AR device of claim 2, wherein the frame includes a front
frame and a pair of side frames connected with two opposite sides
of the front frame and extending backwards from the two opposite
sides of the front frame, wherein the display includes a left eye
display disposed on one side of the front frame and a right eye
display disposed on an opposite side of the front frame, and
wherein the marker display is provided between the left eye display
and the right eye display.
4. The AR device of claim 1, wherein the marker display is provided
as a separate device from the frame, and wherein the marker display
is wiredly or wirelessly connected with the marker generator to
display the generated marker.
5. The AR device of claim 1, further comprising a transceiver
transferring identification information for the generated marker
and AR object information corresponding to the generated marker to
a host.
6. The AR device of claim 1, further comprising: a camera capturing
the real world; and a marker identifier identifying a marker in an
image captured by the camera, wherein the processor provides AR
object information corresponding to the identified marker to the
display.
7. The AR device of claim 6, further comprising a transceiver
transferring identification information for the generated marker
and AR object information corresponding to the generated marker to
a host, wherein the transceiver transfers identification
information for the identified marker to the host and obtains AR
object information corresponding to the identification information
for the identified marker, and wherein the processor provides AR
object information corresponding to the identified marker to the
display.
8. The AR device of claim 2, wherein the marker display is provided
to rotate in one or more axial directions.
9. The AR device of claim 8, further comprising a motion sensor
detecting a motion of the display, wherein the processor rotates
the marker display according to information provided from the
motion sensor to allow the marker displayed by the marker display
to be projected in the same position as the position in the real
world.
10. The AR device of claim 8, further comprising a depth sensor
detecting a depth of a real world object to which the marker is
projected, wherein the processor changes a focal length of the
marker according to information provided from the depth sensor.
11. The AR device of claim 8, further comprising a color sensor
detecting a color of a real world object to which the marker is
projected, wherein the marker generator changes a color of the
marker according to information provided from the color sensor.
12. The AR device of claim 1, wherein the marker display is
provided to rotate in one or more axial directions, and wherein the
processor determines the position information for the real-world
object where the user is to display the marker based on the
information provided from the eye sensor and rotates the marker
display according to the information provided from the eye sensor
to enable the marker to be displayed on the real-world object where
the user is to display the marker.
13. The AR device of claim 1, wherein the marker display includes a
focus variable lens, and wherein the processor determines the depth
information for the real-world object where the user is to display
the marker based on the information provided from the eye sensor
and changes a focal length of the marker according to the depth
information provided from the eye sensor.
14. The AR device of claim 1, wherein the marker generator matches
a plurality of AR objects to one marker, and wherein the plurality
of AR objects include different pieces of offset information for
the generated marker.
15. The AR device of claim 1, wherein the marker generator
generates a plurality of markers of continuous frames, and wherein
the plurality of markers correspond to continuous images of one AR
object or correspond to different AR objects.
16. An augmented reality (ARS sharing system, comprising: a first
electronic device including a marker generator generating a marker
corresponding to a shared AR object and a first transceiver
transferring identification information for the generated marker
and AR object information corresponding to the marker to a host;
and a second electronic device including a marker recognizer
recognizing a marker from an image obtained by a camera and a
second transceiver transferring identification information for the
recognized marker to the host and receiving AR object information
corresponding to the identification information for the recognized
marker from the host.
17. The AR sharing system of claim 16, wherein the host is a cloud
storage, wherein the first electronic device further includes a
marker display projecting the generated marker to a real world, and
wherein the marker recognizer of the second electronic device
recognizes the projected marker.
18. The AR sharing system of claim 16, wherein the host is a smart
device, wherein the smart device displays the generated marker on a
screen, and wherein the marker recognizer of the second electronic
device recognizes the marker displayed on the smart device.
19. An augmented reality (AR) device, comprising: a frame supported
by a user's head; a processor providing an AR image; a display
connected with the frame and overlaying and displaying the AR image
received from the processor on a real world; a marker generator
generating a marker corresponding to an AR object; and a marker
display displaying the marker generated by the marker generator,
wherein the marker generator matches a plurality of AR objects to
one marker, and wherein the plurality of AR objects include
different pieces of offset information for the generated marker.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application is the National Phase of PCT International
Application No. PCT/KR2019/011218, filed on Aug. 30, 2019, which is
hereby expressly incorporated by reference into the present
application.
TECHNICAL FIELD
Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an AR device and a
method for controlling the AR device. More specifically,
embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an electronic
device used in, e.g., virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR),
or mixed reality (MR) and an AR sharing system.
BACKGROUND ART
Virtual reality (VR) means a particular environment or context that
is artificially created using, e.g., a computer and is similar but
not real or a technology therefor.
Augmented reality (AR) is technology that allows a virtual object
to look present in the original environment by synthesizing the
virtual object or information with the actual environment.
Mixed reality (MR) or hybrid reality (HR) refers to creating a new
environment or new information by merging the virtual world and the
real world. Among others, enabling real-time interactions between
things present in the virtual and real world is called mixed
reality.
A created virtual environment or circumstance stimulates the user's
five senses and allows her to have a similar spatial and temporal
experience to the reality while freely passing the border between
the real and virtual worlds. Not simply is the user immersed in
such an environment, but the user may also interact with things
implemented in the environment by controlling or instructing them
on a device.
Recently underway are vigorous research efforts to develop gear
used in the technology. Among others, research for sharing AR
information among several users is steadily in progress.
However, conventional AR information sharing systems, which are
implemented in a peer-to-peer (P2P) manner, are accompanied by
several problems.
To allow the information provided by the AR provider device to be
shared with the receiving device, the AR provider device needs to
transmit map data and anchor data for the AR corresponding to the
real world, as well as the object data so that the same object can
be viewed in the same position as the real world. Further, the map
data information needs to be sent again whenever the map data is
updated.
Sharing such massive data takes too long and, if two users
simultaneously use the AR data, connection may be rendered
unstable. Such issues may worsen as more sharing devices
involve.
Moreover, the conventional P2P scheme is limited in that the
provider device and the receiving device are required to use the
same software for transmission. For example, the sharing devices
all need to use Google ARCore or Apple ARKit.
Further, the use of the conventional P2P scheme requires a
complicated process for hooking up the sharing devices.
DISCLOSURE
Technical Problem
An object of the present disclosure is to provide an electronic
device capable of sharing the same AR object in the same position
even without map data corresponding to the real world to share AR
objects with others when using the electronic device used for,
e.g., virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), or mixed
reality (MR), and an AR sharing system having the electronic
device.
Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an
electronic device capable of shortening the sharing time by
minimizing shared data in sharing AR objects with others and an AR
sharing system having the electronic device.
Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide an
electronic device that allows for an easier sharing of AR objects
even when two electronic devices use AR programs with different map
information to share AR objects with others and an AR sharing
system having the electronic device.
Technical Solution
According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an augmented
reality (AR) device comprises a frame supported by a user's head, a
processor providing an AR image, a display connected with the frame
and overlaying and displaying the AR image received from the
processor on a real world, a marker generator generating a marker
corresponding to an AR object, and a marker display displaying the
marker generated by the marker generator.
The marker display may project a marker image to the real
world.
The frame may include a front frame and a pair of side frames
connected with two opposite sides of the front frame and extending
backwards from the two opposite sides of the front frame. The
display may include a left eye display disposed on one side of the
front frame and a right eye display disposed on an opposite side of
the front frame. The marker display may be provided between the
left eye display and the right eye display.
The marker display may be provided as a separate device from the
frame, and the marker display may be wiredly or wirelessly
connected with the marker generator to display the generated
marker.
The AR device may further comprise a transceiver transferring
identification information for the generated marker and AR object
information corresponding to the generated marker to a host.
The AR device may further comprise a camera capturing the real
world and a marker identifier identifying a marker in an image
captured by the camera. The processor may provide AR object
information corresponding to the identified marker to the
display.
The AR device may further comprise a transceiver transferring
identification information for the generated marker and AR object
information corresponding to the generated marker to a host. The
transceiver may transfer identification information for the
identified marker to the host and obtains AR object information
corresponding to the identification information for the identified
marker. The processor may provide AR object information
corresponding to the identified marker to the display.
The marker display may be provided to rotate in one or more axial
directions.
The AR device may further comprise a motion sensor detecting a
motion of the display. The processor may rotate the marker display
according to information provided from the motion sensor to allow
the marker displayed by the marker display to be projected in the
same position as the position in the real world.
The AR device may further comprise a depth sensor detecting a depth
of a real world object to which the marker is projected. The marker
generator may change the depth of the marker according to
information provided from the depth sensor.
The AR device may further comprise a color sensor detecting a color
of a real world object to which the marker is projected. The marker
generator may change a color of the marker according to information
provided from the color sensor.
The AR device may further comprise an eye sensor detecting the
user's pupil. The processor may determine position and/or depth
information for a real-world object where the user is to display
the marker based on information provided from the eye sensor and
transfer an instruction to the marker display to enable the marker
to be displayed on the real-world object where the user is to
display the marker.
The marker display may be provided to rotate in one or more axial
directions. The processor may determine position information for a
real-world object where the user is to display the marker based on
information provided from the eye sensor and rotate the marker
display according to the information provided from the eye sensor
to enable the marker to be displayed on the real-world object where
the user is to display the marker.
The marker display may include a focus variable lens. The processor
may determine depth information for a real-world object where the
user is to display the marker based on the information provided
from the eye sensor and change a focal length of the marker
according to the depth information provided from the eye
sensor.
The marker generator may match a plurality of AR objects to one
marker. The plurality of AR objects may include different pieces of
offset information for the generated marker.
The marker generator generates a plurality of markers of continuous
frames. The plurality of markers may correspond to continuous
images of one AR object or correspond to different AR objects.
According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, an AR
device comprises a marker generator generating a marker
corresponding to a shared AR object, a marker recognizer
recognizing a marker from an image obtained by a camera, and a
transceiver transmitting or receiving data to/from a host device,
wherein the transceiver transmits identification information for
the marker generated by the marker generator and information for an
AR object corresponding to the marker to the host device and
transmits identification information for the marker recognized by
the marker recognizer to the host device and receives AR object
corresponding to the marker.
According to still another embodiment of the present disclosure, an
AR sharing system comprises a first electronic device including a
marker generator generating a marker corresponding to a shared AR
object and a first transceiver transferring identification
information for the generated marker and AR object information
corresponding to the marker to a host and a second electronic
device including a marker recognizer recognizing a marker from an
image obtained by a camera and a second transceiver transferring
identification information for the recognized marker to the host
and receiving AR object information corresponding to the
identification information for the recognized marker from the
host.
The host may be cloud storage. The first electronic device may
further include a marker display projecting the generated marker to
a real world. The marker recognizer of the second electronic device
may recognize the projected marker.
The host may be a smart device. The smart device may display the
generated marker on a screen. The marker recognizer of the second
electronic device may recognize the marker displayed on the smart
device.
Advantageous Effects
According to the present disclosure, the electronic device and AR
sharing system with the electronic device may directly display a
marker on a real-world object corresponding to an AR object to be
shared, thereby allowing the sharee electronic device to view the
same AR object by simply sharing the marker identification
information and AR object information, but rather than the whole
information for the AR object positioned on the map data as in the
prior art. This leads to a reduction in the amount of data
transmitted and transmission time.
According to the prior art, as information for the shared AR object
is associated with the map information, the map data needs to be
re-shared whenever updated. However, according to the present
disclosure, the electronic device may share the AR object
information without the need for separate map data. Thus, even when
a change is made to the AR world, e.g., due to the sharer's motion,
no update is needed for the shared information, thus reducing data
transmissions and shortening the transmission time.
According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, since the AR
object information which is to be shared is transferred to the
sharee electronic device via a host, e.g., a cloud, data
transmission efficiency may be increased, and transmission time may
be reduced.
According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the sharee
electronic devices may be connected together by simply connecting
to the same host. As such, the entire connection process may be
simplified.
According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a marker
corresponding to a shared AR object is generated and is then
displayed on the real world. Thus, the AR object may be shared
quickly in various circumstances.
According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, projection is
adopted to display markers. Thus, generated markers may be
displayed quickly.
According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, as the marker
display is rotatable, a marker may be displayed in the position
which the user is viewing and, even when the user moves, the marker
may be fixed in the preset position.
According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, it is
possible to secure the optimal visibility depending on the position
the marker is displayed by adjusting, e.g., the focal length,
color, size, brightness, and sharpness of the marker display.
According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, it is
possible to match a plurality of AR objects with a single
marker.
According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, it is
possible to match continuous images of the same AR object with
markers which are varied over time or to match different AR objects
with the markers.
DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of an AI device.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the structure of an eXtended
Reality (XR) electronic device according to one embodiment of the
present invention.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a VR electronic device according to
one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 illustrates a situation in which the VR electronic device of
FIG. 3 is used.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an AR electronic device according
to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of a controller according to
one embodiment of the present invention.
FIGS. 7 to 13 illustrate various display methods applicable to a
display unit according to one embodiment of the present
invention.
FIG. 14 is a perspective view illustrating an electronic device
according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 15 is a view illustrating an example in which a first user
views an AR image;
FIG. 16 is a view illustrating an example in which the first user
projects and sets a marker to a shared AR object;
FIG. 17 is a view illustrating an example in which a second user
views a marker;
FIG. 18 is a view illustrating an example in which the second user
views a marker-set AR object;
FIG. 19 is a view illustrating an example in which the first user
displays and sets a marker to a shared AR object using a mobile
device;
FIG. 20 is a view illustrating an example in which the second user
views a marker;
FIG. 21 is a view illustrating an example in which the second user
views a marker-set AR object;
FIG. 22 is a concept view illustrating an example of projecting a
marker to thereby share an AR object according to a first
embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 23 is a concept view illustrating an example of displaying a
marker using a mobile device according to a second embodiment of
the present disclosure;
FIG. 24 is a concept view illustrating an example of displaying a
marker using a smart device according to a third embodiment of the
present disclosure;
FIG. 25 is a concept view illustrating an example of directly
sharing virtual reality information between electronic devices
according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 26 is a view illustrating an example of setting multi-object
information to a single marker according to an embodiment of the
present disclosure;
FIG. 27 is a view illustrating an example of setting a single piece
of object information based on multiple markers;
FIG. 28 is a view illustrating an example of setting multi-object
information based on multiple markers;
FIG. 29 is a view illustrating an example in which an electronic
device projects a marker in a first position;
FIG. 30 is a view illustrating the position of a marker projected
when an electronic device moves in the example of FIG. 29;
FIG. 31 is a view illustrating a variation in a marker projected
when the electronic device moves out of a range allowed by a marker
display in the example of FIG. 30;
FIG. 32 is a view illustrating the principle of a zoom lens;
and
FIG. 33 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an
electronic device according to an embodiment of the present
disclosure.
MODE FOR DISCLOSURE
In what follows, embodiments disclosed in this document will be
described in detail with reference to appended drawings, where the
same or similar constituent elements are given the same reference
number irrespective of their drawing symbols, and repeated
descriptions thereof will be omitted.
In describing an embodiment disclosed in the present specification,
if a constituting element is said to be "connected" or "attached"
to other constituting element, it should be understood that the
former may be connected or attached directly to the other
constituting element, but there may be a case in which another
constituting element is present between the two constituting
elements.
Also, in describing an embodiment disclosed in the present
document, if it is determined that a detailed description of a
related art incorporated herein unnecessarily obscure the gist of
the embodiment, the detailed description thereof will be omitted.
Also, it should be understood that the appended drawings are
intended only to help understand embodiments disclosed in the
present document and do not limit the technical principles and
scope of the present invention; rather, it should be understood
that the appended drawings include all of the modifications,
equivalents or substitutes described by the technical principles
and belonging to the technical scope of the present invention.
[5G Scenario]
The three main requirement areas in the 5G system are (1) enhanced
Mobile Broadband (eMBB) area, (2) massive Machine Type
Communication (mMTC) area, and (3) Ultra-Reliable and Low Latency
Communication (URLLC) area.
Some use case may require a plurality of areas for optimization,
but other use case may focus only one Key Performance Indicator
(KPI). The 5G system supports various use cases in a flexible and
reliable manner.
eMBB far surpasses the basic mobile Internet access, supports
various interactive works, and covers media and entertainment
applications in the cloud computing or augmented reality
environment. Data is one of core driving elements of the 5G system,
which is so abundant that for the first time, the voice-only
service may be disappeared. In the 5G, voice is expected to be
handled simply by an application program using a data connection
provided by the communication system. Primary causes of increased
volume of traffic are increase of content size and increase of the
number of applications requiring a high data transfer rate.
Streaming service (audio and video), interactive video, and mobile
Internet connection will be more heavily used as more and more
devices are connected to the Internet. These application programs
require always-on connectivity to push real-time information and
notifications to the user. Cloud-based storage and applications are
growing rapidly in the mobile communication platforms, which may be
applied to both of business and entertainment uses. And the
cloud-based storage is a special use case that drives growth of
uplink data transfer rate. The 5G is also used for cloud-based
remote works and requires a much shorter end-to-end latency to
ensure excellent user experience when a tactile interface is used.
Entertainment, for example, cloud-based game and video streaming,
is another core element that strengthens the requirement for mobile
broadband capability. Entertainment is essential for smartphones
and tablets in any place including a high mobility environment such
as a train, car, and plane. Another use case is augmented reality
for entertainment and information search. Here, augmented reality
requires very low latency and instantaneous data transfer.
Also, one of highly expected 5G use cases is the function that
connects embedded sensors seamlessly in every possible area, namely
the use case based on mMTC. Up to 2020, the number of potential IoT
devices is expected to reach 20.4 billion. Industrial IoT is one of
key areas where the 5G performs a primary role to maintain
infrastructure for smart city, asset tracking, smart utility,
agriculture and security.
URLLC includes new services which may transform industry through
ultra-reliable/ultra-low latency links, such as remote control of
major infrastructure and self-driving cars. The level of
reliability and latency are essential for smart grid control,
industry automation, robotics, and drone control and
coordination.
Next, a plurality of use cases will be described in more
detail.
The 5G may complement Fiber-To-The-Home (FTTH) and cable-based
broadband (or DOCSIS) as a means to provide a stream estimated to
occupy hundreds of megabits per second up to gigabits per second.
This fast speed is required not only for virtual reality and
augmented reality but also for transferring video with a resolution
more than 4K (6K, 8K or more). VR and AR applications almost always
include immersive sports games. Specific application programs may
require a special network configuration. For example, in the case
of VR game, to minimize latency, game service providers may have to
integrate a core server with the edge network service of the
network operator.
Automobiles are expected to be a new important driving force for
the 5G system together with various use cases of mobile
communication for vehicles. For example, entertainment for
passengers requires high capacity and high mobile broadband at the
same time. This is so because users continue to expect a
high-quality connection irrespective of their location and moving
speed. Another use case in the automotive field is an augmented
reality dashboard. The augmented reality dashboard overlays
information, which is a perception result of an object in the dark
and contains distance to the object and object motion, on what is
seen through the front window. In a future, a wireless module
enables communication among vehicles, information exchange between
a vehicle and supporting infrastructure, and information exchange
among a vehicle and other connected devices (for example, devices
carried by a pedestrian). A safety system guides alternative
courses of driving so that a driver may drive his or her vehicle
more safely and to reduce the risk of accident. The next step will
be a remotely driven or self-driven vehicle. This step requires
highly reliable and highly fast communication between different
self-driving vehicles and between a self-driving vehicle and
infrastructure. In the future, it is expected that a self-driving
vehicle takes care of all of the driving activities while a human
driver focuses on dealing with an abnormal driving situation that
the self-driving vehicle is unable to recognize. Technical
requirements of a self-driving vehicle demand ultra-low latency and
ultra-fast reliability up to the level that traffic safety may not
be reached by human drivers.
The smart city and smart home, which are regarded as essential to
realize a smart society, will be embedded into a high-density
wireless sensor network. Distributed networks comprising
intelligent sensors may identify conditions for cost-efficient and
energy-efficient conditions for maintaining cities and homes. A
similar configuration may be applied for each home. Temperature
sensors, window and heating controllers, anti-theft alarm devices,
and home appliances will be all connected wirelessly. Many of these
sensors typified with a low data transfer rate, low power, and low
cost. However, for example, real-time HD video may require specific
types of devices for the purpose of surveillance.
As consumption and distribution of energy including heat or gas is
being highly distributed, automated control of a distributed sensor
network is required. A smart grid collects information and
interconnect sensors by using digital information and communication
technologies so that the distributed sensor network operates
according to the collected information. Since the information may
include behaviors of energy suppliers and consumers, the smart grid
may help improving distribution of fuels such as electricity in
terms of efficiency, reliability, economics, production
sustainability, and automation. The smart grid may be regarded as a
different type of sensor network with a low latency.
The health-care sector has many application programs that may
benefit from mobile communication. A communication system may
support telemedicine providing a clinical care from a distance.
Telemedicine may help reduce barriers to distance and improve
access to medical services that are not readily available in remote
rural areas. It may also be used to save lives in critical medical
and emergency situations. A wireless sensor network based on mobile
communication may provide remote monitoring and sensors for
parameters such as the heart rate and blood pressure.
Wireless and mobile communication are becoming increasingly
important for industrial applications. Cable wiring requires high
installation and maintenance costs. Therefore, replacement of
cables with reconfigurable wireless links is an attractive
opportunity for many industrial applications. However, to exploit
the opportunity, the wireless connection is required to function
with a latency similar to that in the cable connection, to be
reliable and of large capacity, and to be managed in a simple
manner. Low latency and very low error probability are new
requirements that lead to the introduction of the 5G system.
Logistics and freight tracking are important use cases of mobile
communication, which require tracking of an inventory and packages
from any place by using location-based information system. The use
of logistics and freight tracking typically requires a low data
rate but requires large-scale and reliable location
information.
The present invention to be described below may be implemented by
combining or modifying the respective embodiments to satisfy the
aforementioned requirements of the 5G system.
FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of an AI device.
Referring to FIG. 1, in the AI system, at least one or more of an
AI server 16, robot 11, self-driving vehicle 12, XR device 13,
smartphone 14, or home appliance 15 are connected to a cloud
network 10. Here, the robot 11, self-driving vehicle 12, XR device
13, smartphone 14, or home appliance 15 to which the AI technology
has been applied may be referred to as an AI device (11 to 15).
The cloud network 10 may comprise part of the cloud computing
infrastructure or refer to a network existing in the cloud
computing infrastructure. Here, the cloud network 10 may be
constructed by using the 3G network, 4G or Long Term Evolution
(LTE) network, or 5G network.
In other words, individual devices (11 to 16) constituting the AI
system may be connected to each other through the cloud network 10.
In particular, each individual device (11 to 16) may communicate
with each other through the eNB but may communicate directly to
each other without relying on the eNB.
The AI server 16 may include a server performing AI processing and
a server performing computations on big data.
The AI server 16 may be connected to at least one or more of the
robot 11, self-driving vehicle 12, XR device 13, smartphone 14, or
home appliance 15, which are AI devices constituting the AI system,
through the cloud network 10 and may help at least part of AI
processing conducted in the connected AI devices (11 to 15).
At this time, the AI server 16 may teach the artificial neural
network according to a machine learning algorithm on behalf of the
AI device (11 to 15), directly store the learning model, or
transmit the learning model to the AI device (11 to 15).
At this time, the AI server 16 may receive input data from the AI
device (11 to 15), infer a result value from the received input
data by using the learning model, generate a response or control
command based on the inferred result value, and transmit the
generated response or control command to the AI device (11 to
15).
Similarly, the AI device (11 to 15) may infer a result value from
the input data by employing the learning model directly and
generate a response or control command based on the inferred result
value.
<AI+Robot>
By employing the AI technology, the robot 11 may be implemented as
a guide robot, transport robot, cleaning robot, wearable robot,
entertainment robot, pet robot, or unmanned flying robot.
The robot 11 may include a robot control module for controlling its
motion, where the robot control module may correspond to a software
module or a chip which implements the software module in the form
of a hardware device.
The robot 11 may obtain status information of the robot 11, detect
(recognize) the surroundings and objects, generate map data,
determine a travel path and navigation plan, determine a response
to user interaction, or determine motion by using sensor
information obtained from various types of sensors.
Here, the robot 11 may use sensor information obtained from at
least one or more sensors among lidar, radar, and camera to
determine a travel path and navigation plan.
The robot 11 may perform the operations above by using a learning
model built on at least one or more artificial neural networks. For
example, the robot 11 may recognize the surroundings and objects by
using the learning model and determine its motion by using the
recognized surroundings or object information. Here, the learning
model may be the one trained by the robot 11 itself or trained by
an external device such as the AI server 16.
At this time, the robot 11 may perform the operation by generating
a result by employing the learning model directly but also perform
the operation by transmitting sensor information to an external
device such as the AI server 16 and receiving a result generated
accordingly.
The robot 11 may determine a travel path and navigation plan by
using at least one or more of object information detected from the
map data and sensor information or object information obtained from
an external device and navigate according to the determined travel
path and navigation plan by controlling its locomotion
platform.
Map data may include object identification information about
various objects disposed in the space in which the robot 11
navigates. For example, the map data may include object
identification information about static objects such as wall and
doors and movable objects such as a flowerpot and a desk. And the
object identification information may include the name, type,
distance, location, and so on.
Also, the robot 11 may perform the operation or navigate the space
by controlling its locomotion platform based on the
control/interaction of the user. At this time, the robot 11 may
obtain intention information of the interaction due to the user's
motion or voice command and perform an operation by determining a
response based on the obtained intention information.
<AI+Autonomous Navigation>
By employing the AI technology, the self-driving vehicle 12 may be
implemented as a mobile robot, unmanned ground vehicle, or unmanned
aerial vehicle.
The self-driving vehicle 12 may include an autonomous navigation
module for controlling its autonomous navigation function, where
the autonomous navigation control module may correspond to a
software module or a chip which implements the software module in
the form of a hardware device. The autonomous navigation control
module may be installed inside the self-driving vehicle 12 as a
constituting element thereof or may be installed outside the
self-driving vehicle 12 as a separate hardware component.
The self-driving vehicle 12 may obtain status information of the
self-driving vehicle 12, detect (recognize) the surroundings and
objects, generate map data, determine a travel path and navigation
plan, or determine motion by using sensor information obtained from
various types of sensors.
Like the robot 11, the self-driving vehicle 12 may use sensor
information obtained from at least one or more sensors among lidar,
radar, and camera to determine a travel path and navigation
plan.
In particular, the self-driving vehicle 12 may recognize an
occluded area or an area extending over a predetermined distance or
objects located across the area by collecting sensor information
from external devices or receive recognized information directly
from the external devices.
The self-driving vehicle 12 may perform the operations above by
using a learning model built on at least one or more artificial
neural networks. For example, the self-driving vehicle 12 may
recognize the surroundings and objects by using the learning model
and determine its navigation route by using the recognized
surroundings or object information. Here, the learning model may be
the one trained by the self-driving vehicle 12 itself or trained by
an external device such as the AI server 16.
At this time, the self-driving vehicle 12 may perform the operation
by generating a result by employing the learning model directly but
also perform the operation by transmitting sensor information to an
external device such as the AI server 16 and receiving a result
generated accordingly.
The self-driving vehicle 12 may determine a travel path and
navigation plan by using at least one or more of object information
detected from the map data and sensor information or object
information obtained from an external device and navigate according
to the determined travel path and navigation plan by controlling
its driving platform.
Map data may include object identification information about
various objects disposed in the space (for example, road) in which
the self-driving vehicle 12 navigates. For example, the map data
may include object identification information about static objects
such as streetlights, rocks and buildings and movable objects such
as vehicles and pedestrians. And the object identification
information may include the name, type, distance, location, and so
on.
Also, the self-driving vehicle 12 may perform the operation or
navigate the space by controlling its driving platform based on the
control/interaction of the user. At this time, the self-driving
vehicle 12 may obtain intention information of the interaction due
to the user's motion or voice command and perform an operation by
determining a response based on the obtained intention
information.
<AI+XR>
By employing the AI technology, the XR device 13 may be implemented
as a Head-Mounted Display (HMD), Head-Up Display (HUD) installed at
the vehicle, TV, mobile phone, smartphone, computer, wearable
device, home appliance, digital signage, vehicle, robot with a
fixed platform, or mobile robot.
The XR device 13 may obtain information about the surroundings or
physical objects by generating position and attribute data about 3D
points by analyzing 3D point cloud or image data acquired from
various sensors or external devices and output objects in the form
of XR objects by rendering the objects for display.
The XR device 13 may perform the operations above by using a
learning model built on at least one or more artificial neural
networks. For example, the XR device 13 may recognize physical
objects from 3D point cloud or image data by using the learning
model and provide information corresponding to the recognized
physical objects. Here, the learning model may be the one trained
by the XR device 13 itself or trained by an external device such as
the AI server 16.
At this time, the XR device 13 may perform the operation by
generating a result by employing the learning model directly but
also perform the operation by transmitting sensor information to an
external device such as the AI server 16 and receiving a result
generated accordingly.
<AI+Robot+Autonomous Navigation>
By employing the AI and autonomous navigation technologies, the
robot 11 may be implemented as a guide robot, transport robot,
cleaning robot, wearable robot, entertainment robot, pet robot, or
unmanned flying robot.
The robot 11 employing the AI and autonomous navigation
technologies may correspond to a robot itself having an autonomous
navigation function or a robot 11 interacting with the self-driving
vehicle 12.
The robot 11 having the autonomous navigation function may
correspond collectively to the devices which may move autonomously
along a given path without control of the user or which may move by
determining its path autonomously.
The robot 11 and the self-driving vehicle 12 having the autonomous
navigation function may use a common sensing method to determine
one or more of the travel path or navigation plan. For example, the
robot 11 and the self-driving vehicle 12 having the autonomous
navigation function may determine one or more of the travel path or
navigation plan by using the information sensed through lidar,
radar, and camera.
The robot 11 interacting with the self-driving vehicle 12, which
exists separately from the self-driving vehicle 12, may be
associated with the autonomous navigation function inside or
outside the self-driving vehicle 12 or perform an operation
associated with the user riding the self-driving vehicle 12.
At this time, the robot 11 interacting with the self-driving
vehicle 12 may obtain sensor information in place of the
self-driving vehicle 12 and provide the sensed information to the
self-driving vehicle 12; or may control or assist the autonomous
navigation function of the self-driving vehicle 12 by obtaining
sensor information, generating information of the surroundings or
object information, and providing the generated information to the
self-driving vehicle 12.
Also, the robot 11 interacting with the self-driving vehicle 12 may
control the function of the self-driving vehicle 12 by monitoring
the user riding the self-driving vehicle 12 or through interaction
with the user. For example, if it is determined that the driver is
drowsy, the robot 11 may activate the autonomous navigation
function of the self-driving vehicle 12 or assist the control of
the driving platform of the self-driving vehicle 12. Here, the
function of the self-driving vehicle 12 controlled by the robot 12
may include not only the autonomous navigation function but also
the navigation system installed inside the self-driving vehicle 12
or the function provided by the audio system of the self-driving
vehicle 12.
Also, the robot 11 interacting with the self-driving vehicle 12 may
provide information to the self-driving vehicle 12 or assist
functions of the self-driving vehicle 12 from the outside of the
self-driving vehicle 12. For example, the robot 11 may provide
traffic information including traffic sign information to the
self-driving vehicle 12 like a smart traffic light or may
automatically connect an electric charger to the charging port by
interacting with the self-driving vehicle 12 like an automatic
electric charger of the electric vehicle.
<AI+Robot+XR>
By employing the AI technology, the robot 11 may be implemented as
a guide robot, transport robot, cleaning robot, wearable robot,
entertainment robot, pet robot, or unmanned flying robot.
The robot 11 employing the XR technology may correspond to a robot
which acts as a control/interaction target in the XR image. In this
case, the robot 11 may be distinguished from the XR device 13, both
of which may operate in conjunction with each other.
If the robot 11, which acts as a control/interaction target in the
XR image, obtains sensor information from the sensors including a
camera, the robot 11 or XR device 13 may generate an XR image based
on the sensor information, and the XR device 13 may output the
generated XR image. And the robot 11 may operate based on the
control signal received through the XR device 13 or based on the
interaction with the user.
For example, the user may check the XR image corresponding to the
viewpoint of the robot 11 associated remotely through an external
device such as the XR device 13, modify the navigation path of the
robot 11 through interaction, control the operation or navigation
of the robot 11, or check the information of nearby objects.
<AI+Autonomous Navigation+XR>
By employing the AI and XR technologies, the self-driving vehicle
12 may be implemented as a mobile robot, unmanned ground vehicle,
or unmanned aerial vehicle.
The self-driving vehicle 12 employing the XR technology may
correspond to a self-driving vehicle having a means for providing
XR images or a self-driving vehicle which acts as a
control/interaction target in the XR image. In particular, the
self-driving vehicle 12 which acts as a control/interaction target
in the XR image may be distinguished from the XR device 13, both of
which may operate in conjunction with each other.
The self-driving vehicle 12 having a means for providing XR images
may obtain sensor information from sensors including a camera and
output XR images generated based on the sensor information
obtained. For example, by displaying an XR image through HUD, the
self-driving vehicle 12 may provide XR images corresponding to
physical objects or image objects to the passenger.
At this time, if an XR object is output on the HUD, at least part
of the XR object may be output so as to be overlapped with the
physical object at which the passenger gazes. On the other hand, if
an XR object is output on a display installed inside the
self-driving vehicle 12, at least part of the XR object may be
output so as to be overlapped with an image object. For example,
the self-driving vehicle 12 may output XR objects corresponding to
the objects such as roads, other vehicles, traffic lights, traffic
signs, bicycles, pedestrians, and buildings.
If the self-driving vehicle 12, which acts as a control/interaction
target in the XR image, obtains sensor information from the sensors
including a camera, the self-driving vehicle 12 or XR device 13 may
generate an XR image based on the sensor information, and the XR
device 13 may output the generated XR image. And the self-driving
vehicle 12 may operate based on the control signal received through
an external device such as the XR device 13 or based on the
interaction with the user.
[Extended Reality Technology]
eXtended Reality (XR) refers to all of Virtual Reality (VR),
Augmented Reality (AR), and Mixed Reality (MR). The VR technology
provides objects or backgrounds of the real world only in the form
of CG images, AR technology provides virtual CG images overlaid on
the physical object images, and MR technology employs computer
graphics technology to mix and merge virtual objects with the real
world.
MR technology is similar to AR technology in a sense that physical
objects are displayed together with virtual objects. However, while
virtual objects supplement physical objects in the AR, virtual and
physical objects co-exist as equivalents in the MR.
The XR technology may be applied to Head-Mounted Display (HMD),
Head-Up Display (HUD), mobile phone, tablet PC, laptop computer,
desktop computer, TV, digital signage, and so on, where a device
employing the XR technology may be called an XR device.
In what follows, an electronic device providing XR according to an
embodiment of the present invention will be described.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the structure of an XR
electronic device 20 according to one embodiment of the present
invention.
Referring to FIG. 2, the XR electronic device 20 may include a
wireless communication unit 21, input unit 22, sensing unit 23,
output unit 24, interface unit 25, memory 26, controller 27, and
power supply unit 28. The constituting elements shown in FIG. 2 are
not essential for implementing the electronic device 20, and
therefore, the electronic device 20 described in this document may
have more or fewer constituting elements than those listed
above.
More specifically, among the constituting elements above, the
wireless communication unit 21 may include one or more modules
which enable wireless communication between the electronic device
20 and a wireless communication system, between the electronic
device 20 and other electronic device, or between the electronic
device 20 and an external server. Also, the wireless communication
unit 21 may include one or more modules that connect the electronic
device 20 to one or more networks.
The wireless communication unit 21 may include at least one of a
broadcast receiving module, mobile communication module, wireless
Internet module, short-range communication module, and location
information module.
The input unit 22 may include a camera or image input unit for
receiving an image signal, microphone or audio input unit for
receiving an audio signal, and user input unit (for example, touch
key) for receiving information from the user, and push key (for
example, mechanical key). Voice data or image data collected by the
input unit 22 may be analyzed and processed as a control command of
the user.
The sensing unit 23 may include one or more sensors for sensing at
least one of the surroundings of the electronic device 20 and user
information.
For example, the sensing unit 23 may include at least one of a
proximity sensor, illumination sensor, touch sensor, acceleration
sensor, magnetic sensor, G-sensor, gyroscope sensor, motion sensor,
RGB sensor, infrared (IR) sensor, finger scan sensor, ultrasonic
sensor, optical sensor (for example, image capture means),
microphone, battery gauge, environment sensor (for example,
barometer, hygrometer, radiation detection sensor, heat detection
sensor, and gas detection sensor), and chemical sensor (for
example, electronic nose, health-care sensor, and biometric
sensor). Meanwhile, the electronic device 20 disclosed in the
present specification may utilize information collected from at
least two or more sensors listed above.
The output unit 24 is intended to generate an output related to a
visual, aural, or tactile stimulus and may include at least one of
a display unit, sound output unit, haptic module, and optical
output unit. The display unit may implement a touchscreen by
forming a layered structure or being integrated with touch sensors.
The touchscreen may not only function as a user input means for
providing an input interface between the AR electronic device 20
and the user but also provide an output interface between the AR
electronic device 20 and the user.
The interface unit 25 serves as a path to various types of external
devices connected to the electronic device 20. Through the
interface unit 25, the electronic device 20 may receive VR or AR
content from an external device and perform interaction by
exchanging various input signals, sensing signals, and data.
For example, the interface unit 25 may include at least one of a
wired/wireless headset port, external charging port, wired/wireless
data port, memory card port, port for connecting to a device
equipped with an identification module, audio Input/Output (I/O)
port, video I/O port, and earphone port.
Also, the memory 26 stores data supporting various functions of the
electronic device 20. The memory 26 may store a plurality of
application programs (or applications) executed in the electronic
device 20; and data and commands for operation of the electronic
device 20. Also, at least part of the application programs may be
pre-installed at the electronic device 20 from the time of factory
shipment for basic functions (for example, incoming and outgoing
call function and message reception and transmission function) of
the electronic device 20.
The controller 27 usually controls the overall operation of the
electronic device 20 in addition to the operation related to the
application program. The controller 27 may process signals, data,
and information input or output through the constituting elements
described above.
Also, the controller 27 may provide relevant information or process
a function for the user by executing an application program stored
in the memory 26 and controlling at least part of the constituting
elements. Furthermore, the controller 27 may combine and operate at
least two or more constituting elements among those constituting
elements included in the electronic device 20 to operate the
application program.
Also, the controller 27 may detect the motion of the electronic
device 20 or user by using a gyroscope sensor, g-sensor, or motion
sensor included in the sensing unit 23. Also, the controller 27 may
detect an object approaching the vicinity of the electronic device
20 or user by using a proximity sensor, illumination sensor,
magnetic sensor, infrared sensor, ultrasonic sensor, or light
sensor included in the sensing unit 23. Besides, the controller 27
may detect the motion of the user through sensors installed at the
controller operating in conjunction with the electronic device
20.
Also, the controller 27 may perform the operation (or function) of
the electronic device 20 by using an application program stored in
the memory 26.
The power supply unit 28 receives external or internal power under
the control of the controller 27 and supplies the power to each and
every constituting element included in the electronic device 20.
The power supply unit 28 includes battery, which may be provided in
a built-in or replaceable form.
At least part of the constituting elements described above may
operate in conjunction with each other to implement the operation,
control, or control method of the electronic device according to
various embodiments described below. Also, the operation, control,
or control method of the electronic device may be implemented on
the electronic device by executing at least one application program
stored in the memory 26.
In what follows, the electronic device according to one embodiment
of the present invention will be described with reference to an
example where the electronic device is applied to a Head Mounted
Display (HMD). However, embodiments of the electronic device
according to the present invention may include a mobile phone,
smartphone, laptop computer, digital broadcast terminal, Personal
Digital Assistant (PDA), Portable Multimedia Player (PMP),
navigation terminal, slate PC, tablet PC, ultrabook, and wearable
device. Wearable devices may include smart watch and contact lens
in addition to the HMD.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a VR electronic device according to
one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4 illustrates a
situation in which the VR electronic device of FIG. 3 is used.
Referring to the figures, a VR electronic device may include a
box-type electronic device 30 mounted on the head of the user and a
controller 40 (40a, 40b) that the user may grip and manipulate.
The electronic device 30 includes a head unit 31 worn and supported
on the head and a display unit 32 being combined with the head unit
31 and displaying a virtual image or video in front of the user's
eyes. Although the figure shows that the head unit 31 and display
unit 32 are made as separate units and combined together, the
display unit 32 may also be formed being integrated into the head
unit 31.
The head unit 31 may assume a structure of enclosing the head of
the user so as to disperse the weight of the display unit 32. And
to accommodate different head sizes of users, the head unit 31 may
provide a band of variable length.
The display unit 32 includes a cover unit 32a combined with the
head unit 31 and a display unit 32b containing a display panel.
The cover unit 32a is also called a goggle frame and may have the
shape of a tub as a whole. The cover unit 32a has a space formed
therein, and an opening is formed at the front surface of the cover
unit, the position of which corresponds to the eyeballs of the
user.
The display unit 32b is installed on the front surface frame of the
cover unit 32a and disposed at the position corresponding to the
eyes of the user to display screen information (image or video).
The screen information output on the display unit 32b includes not
only VR content but also external images collected through an image
capture means such as a camera.
And VR content displayed on the display unit 32b may be the content
stored in the electronic device 30 itself or the content stored in
an external device 60. For example, when the screen information is
an image of the virtual world stored in the electronic device 30,
the electronic device 30 may perform image processing and rendering
to process the image of the virtual world and display image
information generated from the image processing and rendering
through the display unit 32b. On the other hand, in the case of a
VR image stored in the external device 60, the external device 60
performs image processing and rendering and transmits image
information generated from the image processing and rendering to
the electronic device 30. Then the electronic device 30 may output
3D image information received from the external device 60 through
the display unit 32b.
The display unit 32b may include a display panel installed at the
front of the opening of the cover unit 32a, where the display panel
may be an LCD or OLED panel. Similarly, the display unit 32b may be
a display unit of a smartphone. In other words, the display unit
32b may have a specific structure in which a smartphone may be
attached to or detached from the front of the cover unit 32a.
And an image capture means and various types of sensors may be
installed at the front of the display unit 32.
The image capture means (for example, camera) is formed to capture
(receive or input) the image of the front and may obtain a real
world as seen by the user as an image. One image capture means may
be installed at the center of the display unit 32b, or two or more
of them may be installed at symmetric positions. When a plurality
of image capture means are installed, a stereoscopic image may be
obtained. An image combining an external image obtained from an
image capture means with a virtual image may be displayed through
the display unit 32b.
Various types of sensors may include a gyroscope sensor, motion
sensor, or IR sensor. Various types of sensors will be described in
more detail later.
At the rear of the display unit 32, a facial pad 33 may be
installed. The facial pad 33 is made of cushioned material and is
fit around the eyes of the user, providing comfortable fit to the
face of the user. And the facial pad 33 is made of a flexible
material with a shape corresponding to the front contour of the
human face and may be fit to the facial shape of a different user,
thereby blocking external light from entering the eyes.
In addition to the above, the electronic device 30 may be equipped
with a user input unit operated to receive a control command, sound
output unit, and controller. Descriptions of the aforementioned
units are the same as give previously and will be omitted.
Also, a VR electronic device may be equipped with a controller 40
(40a, 40b) for controlling the operation related to VR images
displayed through the box-type electronic device 30 as a peripheral
device.
The controller 40 is provided in a way that the user may easily
grip the controller 40 by using his or her both hands, and the
outer surface of the controller 40 may have a touchpad (or
trackpad) or buttons for receiving the user input.
The controller 40 may be used to control the screen output on the
display unit 32b in conjunction with the electronic device 30. The
controller 40 may include a grip unit that the user grips and a
head unit extended from the grip unit and equipped with various
sensors and a microprocessor. The grip unit may be shaped as a long
vertical bar so that the user may easily grip the grip unit, and
the head unit may be formed in a ring shape.
And the controller 40 may include an IR sensor, motion tracking
sensor, microprocessor, and input unit. For example, IR sensor
receives light emitted from a position tracking device 50 to be
described later and tracks motion of the user. The motion tracking
sensor may be formed as a single sensor suite integrating a 3-axis
acceleration sensor, 3-axis gyroscope, and digital motion
processor.
And the grip unit of the controller 40 may provide a user input
unit. For example, the user input unit may include keys disposed
inside the grip unit, touchpad (trackpad) equipped outside the grip
unit, and trigger button.
Meanwhile, the controller 40 may perform a feedback operation
corresponding to a signal received from the controller 27 of the
electronic device 30. For example, the controller 40 may deliver a
feedback signal to the user in the form of vibration, sound, or
light.
Also, by operating the controller 40, the user may access an
external environment image seen through the camera installed in the
electronic device 30. In other words, even in the middle of
experiencing the virtual world, the user may immediately check the
surrounding environment by operating the controller 40 without
taking off the electronic device 30.
Also, the VR electronic device may further include a position
tracking device 50. The position tracking device 50 detects the
position of the electronic device 30 or controller 40 by applying a
position tracking technique, called lighthouse system, and helps
tracking the 360-degree motion of the user.
The position tacking system may be implemented by installing one or
more position tracking device 50 (50a, 50b) in a closed, specific
space. A plurality of position tracking devices 50 may be installed
at such positions that maximize the span of location-aware space,
for example, at positions facing each other in the diagonal
direction.
The electronic device 30 or controller 40 may receive light emitted
from LED or laser emitter included in the plurality of position
tracking devices 50 and determine the accurate position of the user
in a closed, specific space based on a correlation between the time
and position at which the corresponding light is received. To this
purpose, each of the position tracking devices 50 may include an IR
lamp and 2-axis motor, through which a signal is exchanged with the
electronic device 30 or controller 40.
Also, the electronic device 30 may perform wired/wireless
communication with an external device 60 (for example, PC,
smartphone, or tablet PC). The electronic device 30 may receive
images of the virtual world stored in the connected external device
60 and display the received image to the user.
Meanwhile, since the controller 40 and position tracking device 50
described above are not essential elements, they may be omitted in
the embodiments of the present invention. For example, an input
device installed in the electronic device 30 may replace the
controller 40, and position information may be determined by itself
from various sensors installed in the electronic device 30.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an AR electronic device according
to one embodiment of the present invention.
As shown in FIG. 5, the electronic device according to one
embodiment of the present invention may include a frame 100,
controller 200, and display unit 300.
The electronic device may be provided in the form of smart glasses.
The glass-type electronic device may be shaped to be worn on the
head of the user, for which the frame (case or housing) 100 may be
used. The frame 100 may be made of a flexible material so that the
user may wear the glass-type electronic device comfortably.
The frame 100 is supported on the head and provides a space in
which various components are installed. As shown in the figure,
electronic components such as the controller 200, user input unit
130, or sound output unit 140 may be installed in the frame 100.
Also, lens that covers at least one of the left and right eyes may
be installed in the frame 100 in a detachable manner.
As shown in the figure, the frame 100 may have a shape of glasses
worn on the face of the user; however, the present invention is not
limited to the specific shape and may have a shape such as goggles
worn in close contact with the user's face.
The frame 100 may include a front frame 110 having at least one
opening and one pair of side frames 120 parallel to each other and
being extended in a first direction (y), which are intersected by
the front frame 110.
The controller 200 is configured to control various electronic
components installed in the electronic device.
The controller 200 may generate an image shown to the user or video
comprising successive images. The controller 200 may include an
image source panel that generates an image and a plurality of
lenses that diffuse and converge light generated from the image
source panel.
The controller 200 may be fixed to either of the two side frames
120. For example, the controller 200 may be fixed in the inner or
outer surface of one side frame 120 or embedded inside one of side
frames 120. Or the controller 200 may be fixed to the front frame
110 or provided separately from the electronic device.
The display unit 300 may be implemented in the form of a Head
Mounted Display (HMD). HMD refers to a particular type of display
device worn on the head and showing an image directly in front of
eyes of the user. The display unit 300 may be disposed to
correspond to at least one of left and right eyes so that images
may be shown directly in front of the eye(s) of the user when the
user wears the electronic device. The present figure illustrates a
case where the display unit 300 is disposed at the position
corresponding to the right eye of the user so that images may be
shown before the right eye of the user.
The display unit 300 may be used so that an image generated by the
controller 200 is shown to the user while the user visually
recognizes the external environment. For example, the display unit
300 may project an image on the display area by using a prism.
And the display unit 300 may be formed to be transparent so that a
projected image and a normal view (the visible part of the world as
seen through the eyes of the user) in the front are shown at the
same time. For example, the display unit 300 may be translucent and
made of optical elements including glass.
And the display unit 300 may be fixed by being inserted into the
opening included in the front frame 110 or may be fixed on the
front surface 110 by being positioned on the rear surface of the
opening (namely between the opening and the user's eye). Although
the figure illustrates one example where the display unit 300 is
fixed on the front surface 110 by being positioned on the rear
surface of the rear surface, the display unit 300 may be disposed
and fixed at various positions of the frame 100.
As shown in FIG. 5, the electronic device may operate so that if
the controller 200 projects light about an image onto one side of
the display unit 300, the light is emitted to the other side of the
display unit, and the image generated by the controller 200 is
shown to the user.
Accordingly, the user may see the image generated by the controller
200 while seeing the external environment simultaneously through
the opening of the frame 100. In other words, the image output
through the display unit 300 may be seen by being overlapped with a
normal view. By using the display characteristic described above,
the electronic device may provide an AR experience which shows a
virtual image overlapped with a real image or background as a
single, interwoven image.
FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of a controller according to
one embodiment of the present invention.
Referring to the figure, the controller 200 may include a first
cover 207 and second cover 225 for protecting internal constituting
elements and forming the external appearance of the controller 200,
where, inside the first 207 and second 225 covers, included are a
driving unit 201, image source panel 203, Polarization Beam
Splitter Filter (PBSF) 211, mirror 209, a plurality of lenses 213,
215, 217, 221, Fly Eye Lens (FEL) 219, Dichroic filter 227, and
Freeform prism Projection Lens (FPL) 223.
The first 207 and second 225 covers provide a space in which the
driving unit 201, image source panel 203, PBSF 211, mirror 209, a
plurality of lenses 213, 215, 217, 221, FEL 219, and FPL may be
installed, and the internal constituting elements are packaged and
fixed to either of the side frames 120.
The driving unit 201 may supply a driving signal that controls a
video or an image displayed on the image source panel 203 and may
be linked to a separate modular driving chip installed inside or
outside the controller 200. The driving unit 201 may be installed
in the form of Flexible Printed Circuits Board (FPCB), which may be
equipped with heatsink that dissipates heat generated during
operation to the outside.
The image source panel 203 may generate an image according to a
driving signal provided by the driving unit 201 and emit light
according to the generated image. To this purpose, the image source
panel 203 may use the Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) or Organic Light
Emitting Diode (OLED) panel.
The PBSF 211 may separate light due to the image generated from the
image source panel 203 or block or pass part of the light according
to a rotation angle. Therefore, for example, if the image light
emitted from the image source panel 203 is composed of P wave,
which is horizontal light, and S wave, which is vertical light, the
PBSF 211 may separate the P and S waves into different light paths
or pass the image light of one polarization or block the image
light of the other polarization. The PBSF 211 may be provided as a
cube type or plate type in one embodiment.
The cube-type PBSF 211 may filter the image light composed of P and
S waves and separate them into different light paths while the
plate-type PBSF 211 may pass the image light of one of the P and S
waves but block the image light of the other polarization.
The mirror 209 reflects the image light separated from polarization
by the PBSF 211 to collect the polarized image light again and let
the collected image light incident on a plurality of lenses 213,
215, 217, 221.
The plurality of lenses 213, 215, 217, 221 may include convex and
concave lenses and for example, may include I-type lenses and
C-type lenses. The plurality of lenses 213, 215, 217, 221 repeat
diffusion and convergence of image light incident on the lenses,
thereby improving straightness of the image light rays.
The FEL 219 may receive the image light which has passed the
plurality of lenses 213, 215, 217, 221 and emit the image light so
as to improve illuminance uniformity and extend the area exhibiting
uniform illuminance due to the image light.
The dichroic filter 227 may include a plurality of films or lenses
and pass light of a specific range of wavelengths from the image
light incoming from the FEL 219 but reflect light not belonging to
the specific range of wavelengths, thereby adjusting saturation of
color of the image light. The image light which has passed the
dichroic filter 227 may pass through the FPL 223 and be emitted to
the display unit 300.
The display unit 300 may receive the image light emitted from the
controller 200 and emit the incident image light to the direction
in which the user's eyes are located.
Meanwhile, in addition to the constituting elements described
above, the electronic device may include one or more image capture
means (not shown). The image capture means, being disposed close to
at least one of left and right eyes, may capture the image of the
front area. Or the image capture means may be disposed so as to
capture the image of the side/rear area.
Since the image capture means is disposed close to the eye, the
image capture means may obtain the image of a real world seen by
the user. The image capture means may be installed at the frame 100
or arranged in plural numbers to obtain stereoscopic images.
The electronic device may provide a user input unit 130 manipulated
to receive control commands. The user input unit 130 may adopt
various methods including a tactile manner in which the user
operates the user input unit by sensing a tactile stimulus from a
touch or push motion, gesture manner in which the user input unit
recognizes the hand motion of the user without a direct touch
thereon, or a manner in which the user input unit recognizes a
voice command. The present figure illustrates a case where the user
input unit 130 is installed at the frame 100.
Also, the electronic device may be equipped with a microphone which
receives a sound and converts the received sound to electrical
voice data and a sound output unit 140 that outputs a sound. The
sound output unit 140 may be configured to transfer a sound through
an ordinary sound output scheme or bone conduction scheme. When the
sound output unit 140 is configured to operate according to the
bone conduction scheme, the sound output unit 140 is fit to the
head when the user wears the electronic device and transmits sound
by vibrating the skull.
In what follows, various forms of the display unit 300 and various
methods for emitting incident image light rays will be
described.
FIGS. 7 to 13 illustrate various display methods applicable to the
display unit 300 according to one embodiment of the present
invention.
More specifically, FIG. 7 illustrates one embodiment of a
prism-type optical element; FIG. 8 illustrates one embodiment of a
waveguide-type optical element; FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate one
embodiment of a pin mirror-type optical element; and FIG. 11
illustrates one embodiment of a surface reflection-type optical
element. And FIG. 12 illustrates one embodiment of a micro-LED type
optical element, and FIG. 13 illustrates one embodiment of a
display unit used for contact lenses.
As shown in FIG. 7, the display unit 300-1 according to one
embodiment of the present invention may use a prism-type optical
element.
In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7(a), a prism-type optical
element may use a flat-type glass optical element where the surface
300a on which image light rays are incident and from which the
image light rays are emitted is planar or as shown in FIG. 7(b),
may use a freeform glass optical element where the surface 300b
from which the image light rays are emitted is formed by a curved
surface without a fixed radius of curvature.
The flat-type glass optical element may receive the image light
generated by the controller 200 through the flat side surface,
reflect the received image light by using the total reflection
mirror 300a installed inside and emit the reflected image light
toward the user. Here, laser is used to form the total reflection
mirror 300a installed inside the flat type glass optical
element.
The freeform glass optical element is formed so that its thickness
becomes thinner as it moves away from the surface on which light is
incident, receives image light generated by the controller 200
through a side surface having a finite radius of curvature, totally
reflects the received image light, and emits the reflected light
toward the user.
As shown in FIG. 8, the display unit 300-2 according to another
embodiment of the present invention may use a waveguide-type
optical element or light guide optical element (LOE).
As one embodiment, the waveguide or light guide-type optical
element may be implemented by using a segmented beam splitter-type
glass optical element as shown in FIG. 8(a), saw tooth prism-type
glass optical element as shown in FIG. 8(b), glass optical element
having a diffractive optical element (DOE) as shown in FIG. 8(c),
glass optical element having a hologram optical element (HOE) as
shown in FIG. 8(d), glass optical element having a passive grating
as shown in FIG. 8(e), and glass optical element having an active
grating as shown in FIG. 8(f).
As shown in FIG. 8(a), the segmented beam splitter-type glass
optical element may have a total reflection mirror 301a where an
optical image is incident and a segmented beam splitter 301b where
an optical image is emitted.
Accordingly, the optical image generated by the controller 200 is
totally reflected by the total reflection mirror 301a inside the
glass optical element, and the totally reflected optical image is
partially separated and emitted by the partial reflection mirror
301b and eventually perceived by the user while being guided along
the longitudinal direction of the glass.
In the case of the saw tooth prism-type glass optical element as
shown in FIG. 8(b), the optical image generated by the controller
200 is incident on the side surface of the glass in the oblique
direction and totally reflected into the inside of the glass,
emitted to the outside of the glass by the saw tooth-shaped uneven
structure 302 formed where the optical image is emitted, and
eventually perceived by the user.
The glass optical element having a Diffractive Optical Element
(DOE) as shown in FIG. 8(c) may have a first diffraction unit 303a
on the surface of the part on which the optical image is incident
and a second diffraction unit 303b on the surface of the part from
which the optical image is emitted. The first and second
diffraction units 303a, 303b may be provided in a way that a
specific pattern is patterned on the surface of the glass or a
separate diffraction film is attached thereon.
Accordingly, the optical image generated by the controller 200 is
diffracted as it is incident through the first diffraction unit
303a, guided along the longitudinal direction of the glass while
being totally reflected, emitted through the second diffraction
unit 303b, and eventually perceived by the user.
The glass optical element having a Hologram Optical Element (HOE)
as shown in FIG. 8(d) may have an out-coupler 304 inside the glass
from which an optical image is emitted. Accordingly, the optical
image is incoming from the controller 200 in the oblique direction
through the side surface of the glass, guided along the
longitudinal direction of the glass by being totally reflected,
emitted by the out-coupler 304, and eventually perceived by the
user. The structure of the HOE may be modified gradually to be
further divided into the structure having a passive grating and the
structure having an active grating.
The glass optical element having a passive grating as shown in FIG.
8(e) may have an in-coupler 305a on the opposite surface of the
glass surface on which the optical image is incident and an
out-coupler 305b on the opposite surface of the glass surface from
which the optical image is emitted. Here, the in-coupler 305a and
the out-coupler 305b may be provided in the form of film having a
passive grating.
Accordingly, the optical image incident on the glass surface at the
light-incident side of the glass is totally reflected by the
in-coupler 305a installed on the opposite surface, guided along the
longitudinal direction of the glass, emitted through the opposite
surface of the glass by the out-coupler 305b, and eventually
perceived by the user.
The glass optical element having an active grating as shown in FIG.
8(f) may have an in-coupler 306a formed as an active grating inside
the glass through which an optical image is incoming and an
out-coupler 306b formed as an active grating inside the glass from
which the optical image is emitted.
Accordingly, the optical image incident on the glass is totally
reflected by the in-coupler 306a, guided in the longitudinal
direction of the glass, emitted to the outside of the glass by the
out-coupler 306b, and eventually perceived by the user.
The display unit 300-3 according to another embodiment of the
present invention may use a pin mirror-type optical element.
The pinhole effect is so called because the hole through which an
object is seen is like the one made with the point of a pin and
refers to the effect of making an object look more clearly as light
is passed through a small hole. This effect results from the nature
of light due to refraction of light, and the light passing through
the pinhole deepens the depth of field (DOF), which makes the image
formed on the retina more vivid.
In what follows, an embodiment for using a pin mirror-type optical
element will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10.
Referring to FIG. 9(a), the pinhole mirror 310a may be provided on
the path of incident light within the display unit 300-3 and
reflect the incident light toward the user's eye. More
specifically, the pinhole mirror 310a may be disposed between the
front surface (outer surface) and the rear surface (inner surface)
of the display unit 300-3, and a method for manufacturing the
pinhole mirror will be described again later.
The pinhole mirror 310a may be formed to be smaller than the pupil
of the eye and to provide a deep depth of field. Therefore, even if
the focal length for viewing a real world through the display unit
300-3 is changed, the user may still clearly see the real world by
overlapping an augmented reality image provided by the controller
200 with the image of the real world.
And the display unit 300-3 may provide a path which guides the
incident light to the pinhole mirror 310a through internal total
reflection.
Referring to FIG. 9(b), the pinhole mirror 310b may be provided on
the surface 300c through which light is totally reflected in the
display unit 300-3. Here, the pinhole mirror 310b may have the
characteristic of a prism that changes the path of external light
according to the user's eyes. For example, the pinhole mirror 310b
may be fabricated as film-type and attached to the display unit
300-3, in which case the process for manufacturing the pinhole
mirror is made easy.
The display unit 300-3 may guide the incident light incoming from
the controller 200 through internal total reflection, the light
incident by total reflection may be reflected by the pinhole mirror
310b installed on the surface on which external light is incident,
and the reflected light may pass through the display unit 300-3 to
reach the user's eyes.
Referring to FIG. 9(c), the incident light illuminated by the
controller 200 may be reflected by the pinhole mirror 310c directly
without internal total reflection within the display unit 300-3 and
reach the user's eyes. This structure is convenient for the
manufacturing process in that augmented reality may be provided
irrespective of the shape of the surface through which external
light passes within the display unit 300-3.
Referring to FIG. 9(d), the light illuminated by the controller 200
may reach the user's eyes by being reflected within the display
unit 300-3 by the pinhole mirror 310d installed on the surface 300d
from which external light is emitted. The controller 200 is
configured to illuminate light at the position separated from the
surface of the display unit 300-3 in the direction of the rear
surface and illuminate light toward the surface 300d from which
external light is emitted within the display unit 300-3. The
present embodiment may be applied easily when thickness of the
display unit 300-3 is not sufficient to accommodate the light
illuminated by the controller 200. Also, the present embodiment may
be advantageous for manufacturing in that it may be applied
irrespective of the surface shape of the display unit 300-3, and
the pinhole mirror 310d may be manufactured in a film shape.
Meanwhile, the pinhole mirror 310 may be provided in plural numbers
in an array pattern.
FIG. 10 illustrates the shape of a pinhole mirror and structure of
an array pattern according to one embodiment of the present
invention.
Referring to the figure, the pinhole mirror 310 may be fabricated
in a polygonal structure including a square or rectangular shape.
Here, the length (diagonal length) of a longer axis of the pinhole
mirror 310 may have a positive square root of the product of the
focal length and wavelength of light illuminated in the display
unit 300-3.
A plurality of pinhole mirrors 310 are disposed in parallel, being
separated from each other, to form an array pattern. The array
pattern may form a line pattern or lattice pattern.
FIGS. 10(a) and (b) illustrate the Flat Pin Mirror scheme, and
FIGS. 10(c) and (d) illustrate the freeform Pin Mirror scheme.
When the pinhole mirror 310 is installed inside the display unit
300-3, the first glass 300e and the second glass 300f are combined
by an inclined surface 300g disposed being inclined toward the
pupil of the eye, and a plurality of pinhole mirrors 310e are
disposed on the inclined surface 300g by forming an array
pattern.
Referring to FIGS. 10(a) and (b), a plurality of pinhole mirrors
310e may be disposed side by side along one direction on the
inclined surface 300g and continuously display the augmented
reality provided by the controller 200 on the image of a real world
seen through the display unit 300-3 even if the user moves the
pupil of the eye.
And referring to FIGS. 10(c) and (d), the plurality of pinhole
mirrors 310f may form a radial array on the inclined surface 300g
provided as a curved surface.
Since the plurality of pinhole mirrors 300f are disposed along the
radial array, the pinhole mirror 310f at the edge in the figure is
disposed at the highest position, and the pinhole mirror 310f in
the middle thereof is disposed at the lowest position, the path of
a beam emitted by the controller 200 may be matched to each pinhole
mirror.
As described above, by disposing a plurality of pinhole arrays 310f
along the radial array, the double image problem of augmented
reality provided by the controller 200 due to the path difference
of light may be resolved.
Similarly, lenses may be attached on the rear surface of the
display unit 300-3 to compensate for the path difference of the
light reflected from the plurality of pinhole mirrors 310e disposed
side by side in a row.
The surface reflection-type optical element that may be applied to
the display unit 300-4 according to another embodiment of the
present invention may employ the freeform combiner method as shown
in FIG. 11(a), Flat HOE method as shown in FIG. 11(b), and freeform
HOE method as shown in FIG. 11(c).
The surface reflection-type optical element based on the freeform
combiner method as shown in FIG. 11(a) may use freeform combiner
glass 300, for which a plurality of flat surfaces having different
incidence angles for an optical image are combined to form one
glass with a curved surface as a whole to perform the role of a
combiner. The freeform combiner glass 300 emits an optical image to
the user by making incidence angle of the optical image differ in
the respective areas.
The surface reflection-type optical element based on Flat HOE
method as shown in FIG. 11(b) may have a hologram optical element
(HOE) 311 coated or patterned on the surface of flat glass, where
an optical image emitted by the controller 200 passes through the
HOE 311, reflects from the surface of the glass, again passes
through the HOE 311, and is eventually emitted to the user.
The surface reflection-type optical element based on the freeform
HOE method as shown in FIG. 11(c) may have a HOE 313 coated or
patterned on the surface of freeform glass, where the operating
principles may be the same as described with reference to FIG.
11(b).
In addition, a display unit 300-5 employing micro LED as shown in
FIG. 12 and a display unit 300-6 employing a contact lens as shown
in FIG. 13 may also be used.
Referring to FIG. 12, the optical element of the display unit 300-5
may include a Liquid Crystal on Silicon (LCoS) element, Liquid
Crystal Display (LCD) element, Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED)
display element, and Digital Micromirror Device (DMD); and the
optical element may further include a next-generation display
element such as Micro LED and Quantum Dot (QD) LED.
The image data generated by the controller 200 to correspond to the
augmented reality image is transmitted to the display unit 300-5
along a conductive input line 316, and the display unit 300-5 may
convert the image signal to light through a plurality of optical
elements 314 (for example, microLED) and emits the converted light
to the user's eye.
The plurality of optical elements 314 are disposed in a lattice
structure (for example, 100.times.100) to form a display area 314a.
The user may see the augmented reality through the display area
314a within the display unit 300-5. And the plurality of optical
elements 314 may be disposed on a transparent substrate.
The image signal generated by the controller 200 is sent to an
image split circuit 315 provided at one side of the display unit
300-5; the image split circuit 315 is divided into a plurality of
branches, where the image signal is further sent to an optical
element 314 disposed at each branch. At this time, the image split
circuit 315 may be located outside the field of view of the user so
as to minimize gaze interference.
Referring to FIG. 13, the display unit 300-5 may comprise a contact
lens. A contact lens 300-5 on which augmented reality may be
displayed is also called a smart contact lens. The smart contact
lens 300-5 may have a plurality of optical elements 317 in a
lattice structure at the center of the smart contact lens.
The smart contact lens 300-5 may include a solar cell 318a, battery
318b, controller 200, antenna 318c, and sensor 318d in addition to
the optical element 317. For example, the sensor 318d may check the
blood sugar level in the tear, and the controller 200 may process
the signal of the sensor 318d and display the blood sugar level in
the form of augmented reality through the optical element 317 so
that the user may check the blood sugar level in real-time.
As described above, the display unit 300 according to one
embodiment of the present invention may be implemented by using one
of the prism-type optical element, waveguide-type optical element,
light guide optical element (LOE), pin mirror-type optical element,
or surface reflection-type optical element. In addition to the
above, an optical element that may be applied to the display unit
300 according to one embodiment of the present invention may
include a retina scan method.
FIG. 14 is a perspective view illustrating an electronic device 500
according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Referring to FIG. 14, according to an embodiment of the present
disclosure, an electronic device 500 includes a frame 510, a
display 520 mounted on the front surface of the frame 510 to
display augmented reality (AR) images, an external camera 540
mounted on the frame 510 to capture the real world, and a marker
display 550 projecting a marker image forwards.
The frame 510 includes a front frame 511 disposed ahead of the
user's head and a pair of side frames 512 extending backwards from
two opposite sides of the front frame 511 and placed on the user's
ears to support the electronic device 500.
The display 520 includes a glass 521 supported by the front frame
511 and corresponding to the user's left and right eyes and an
optical device 522 receiving image signals from the processor 530
and displaying the image signals on the glass 521.
The glass 521 may be provided in the type of goggles whose portions
corresponding to the left and right eyes are integrally formed or
in the type of glasses in which the eyes-corresponding portions are
separated from each other. Where a left eye glass and a right eye
glass are separately provided in the glass 521, they may be
connected via a bridge.
One side of the glass 521 may be supported by the top and bottom of
the front frame 511, or the glass 521 may be surrounded and
supported by the front frame 511. The optical unit 522 may have one
side connected with the processor 530 and another side provided on
the glass 521. An image signal transmitted from the processor may
be converted into an optical signal by the optical device 522, and
the optical signal may be radiated to the user's eye. The user may
view the AR image radiated from the optical device 522 positioned
ahead of the user's eye while simultaneously viewing the real world
through the transparent glass 521. As the user views the AR image
overlaid on the real world, she may perceive as if the AR image is
part of the real world.
The external camera 540 may capture the real world into an image.
The processor 530 may analyze the image received from the external
camera 540, thereby recognizing real-world objects. For example,
the processor 530 may recognize, e.g., people, vehicles, buildings,
roads, TVs, or mobile devices. The processor 530 may set an area
for the real-world object. For example, where there are a vehicle
parked in front of a building and a street light partially blocking
the vehicle, the processor 530 may extract the area of the vehicle
except for the building and the street light and set the extracted
area as an object area. The processor 530 may retrieve prior data
about the vehicle, predict even the vehicle portion hidden by the
streetlight, and include the hidden portion in the object area.
The external camera 540 may be provided in various manners to
enable the processor 530 to stereoscopically recognize the real
world. For example, the external camera 540 may include a
depth-of-field camera and a brightness camera, as well as an image
camera. The processor 530 may reconfigure the real world into
stereoscopic data based on the image information, depth
information, and brightness information. A pair of external cameras
540 may be provided at the left and right to produce more precise
stereoscopic images.
The processor 530 may create an AR image corresponding to the
real-world object recognized via the external camera 540 and
transfer the AR image to the display 520. The AR image displayed to
the user may be provided to correspond to the position, size, and
depth of the real-world object. Thus, the user may view a lifelike
augmented reality by merging the real world, which is viewed
through the lens, and the AR image corresponding to the real
world.
The marker display 550 may be provided to display the marker image
on the real world, and the marker display 550 may be, e.g., a
projector that projects and displays the marker image on the real
world. The projector may be a cathode ray tube (CRT), liquid
crystal display (LCD), digital light processing (DLP), or laser
projector. The projector may project the marker image transferred
from the processor 530, and the user may display a marker on the
real-world object where the marker is to be displayed.
The marker display 550 may be a marker display device provided
separately from the electronic device 500. The marker display 550
may have a display window and may display the marker transferred
from the processor 530 on the display window. The user may bring a
separate marker display device to the real-world object where the
marker is to be displayed and may display the marker image.
The marker display 550 may be a mobile device (e.g., a smartphone).
A processor of the mobile device may interact with the processor
530 of the electronic device. The marker display 550 may display
the marker image transferred from the processor of the mobile
device on the screen. The user may bring the mobile device to the
real-world object where the marker is to be displayed and may
display the marker image.
The marker display 550 may display the marker image in a hologram.
Hologram means a photographic recording made by holography which is
technology that records stereoscopic information based on light
interference caused when two laser beams meet and reproduces the
stereoscopic information. If displayed in hologram, but rather than
in image, the user may recognize the marker in a stereoscopic
manner.
The marker display 550 may be used to provide the marker as an
identifier when sharing the real-world object. When a first user
views AR objects along with the real world on the AR electronic
device 500 and desires to share some of the AR objects with other
users, the marker may be utilized.
For example, the first user sets a range for the AR object to be
shared and generates a marker for identifying the AR object. The
first user then displays the generated marker on the real-world
object near the AR object. In this case, the projector or mobile
device may be used to display the marker as set forth above. For
example, where an AR object of a show home is created and placed on
a table, a marker corresponding to the show home image may be
created and displayed on the table via the marker display 550.
The processor 530 may memorize the identification information for
the marker and transfer the identification information to the
electronic device 500 directly or via a host. The identification
information for the marker may include a relative position of the
marker for the AR object. The user may display the marker to
overlap the AR object or may display the marker on one side of the
AR object to prevent the two images from overlapping each other.
Where the AR object is displayed on the real-world object, the user
may display the marker under the AR object. When the relative
position information for the marker and the AR object is shared,
other users may view the AR object in the same position as that in
the real world.
The processor 530 may have a marker identifier capable of
identifying the marker from the image obtained by the external
camera 540. The processor 530 may determine the identified marker
image to thereby obtain the identification information for the
marker.
According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the
electronic device 500 may further include an eye sensor 561 that
detects and tracks the user's pupil. The eye sensor 561 may include
a capturing device and a lighting device for tracking the user's
pupil. The processor 530 may determine the position of the
real-world object where the AR object is displayed, as well as the
position of the AR object which the user is viewing based on the
information obtained from the eye sensor 561. For example, the
processor 530 may determine the direction based on the position of
the pupil and determine the distance based on the thickness of the
crystalline lens.
The processor 530 may identify the AR data which the user intends
to identify based on the information from the sensor 561. The
processor 530 may adjust the position of the marker based on the
information from the eye sensor 561. For example, the eye sensor
561 may estimate the position to which the user is viewing based on
the position information and distance information and may project
the marker to the estimated position via the marker display 550
provided as a projector.
According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the
electronic device 500 may further include a sensor 562 capable of
tracking the position of the user's head. For example, the sensor
562 may be a 9-axis sensor and may include a gyroscope, an
accelerometer, and a magnetometer. The nine axes may be defined as
three acceleration axes, two gyro axes, three geomagnetic axes, and
one temperature axis.
The marker display 550 may be provided to be able to rotate in one
or more axial directions. For example, the marker display 550 may
be provided to be able to rotate in a horizontal and vertical
direction. The range in which the marker may be displayed may be
determined depending on angles at which the marker display 550 is
allowed to rotate in the horizontal direction and angles at which
the marker display 550 is allowed to rotate in the vertical
direction.
According to an embodiment, the marker display 550 may move
according to the movement of the user's pupil. In other words, if
the user moves the pupil to the right while the marker display 550
projects the marker, the eye sensor 561 may recognize it and
transfer it to the processor 530, and the processor 530 may rotate
the marker display 550 at the corresponding angle in the direction
along which the user moves.
The marker display 550 may adjust the size and focal length of the
marker depending on the distance at which the user is viewing. For
example, if the user looks far away while the marker display 550
projects the marker, the eye sensor 561 may recognize it and
transfer it to the processor 530, and the processor 530 may adjust
the focal length of the marker to a different one and, in some
cases, resize the marker.
Alternatively, the marker display 550 may fix the position where
the marker is projected. If the marker display 550 fails to fix the
position of the marker, and the position where the mark is
projected is varied as the user moves, then such an occasion may
arise where after the first user projects the marker corresponding
to the real-world object, the second user may not move before
recognizing the marker. However, if the marker is displayed while
rotating in the opposite direction to the direction in which the
user moves, such issue may be addressed.
For example, if the user moves the head to the right while the
marker display 550 projects the marker, the sensor 562 may
recognize the user's motion and transfer it to the processor 530,
and the processor 530 may rotate the marker display 550 at the
corresponding angle in the opposite direction to the direction in
which the user moves.
According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the
electronic device 500 may include a transceiver 570. AR object
information and marker information may be mutually transferred via
the transceiver 570 between the electronic device 500 and the host
or external electronic device. The transceiver 570 may take
advantage of various data transmission protocols. For example, the
transceiver 570 may communicate data via Wi-Fi.
According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the
electronic device 500 may include a manipulator for issuing
commands or instructions, a microphone 312 583 for conversations or
issuing voice commands, and a speaker 584 for receiving sound
information. The manipulator may include a button 581 for
transferring physical signals and touch circuitry 582 for
transferring electrical signals.
A method for sharing AR information is described below with
reference to FIGS. 15 to 21.
FIGS. 15 to 18 illustrate a method for sharing AR information using
the marker display 550 which is provided as a projector.
FIG. 15 is a view illustrating an example in which a first user A
views an AR image. FIG. 16 is a view illustrating an example in
which the first user A projects and sets a marker M to a shared AR
object O. FIG. 17 is a view illustrating an example in which a
second user B views the marker. FIG. 18 is a view illustrating an
example in which the second user B views the marker (M)-set AR
object O.
Referring to FIG. 15, the first user A wears a first electronic
device 500-1 and views the AR object O, which is a show home, on a
table R. In this case, the first user A may intend to share the
show home AR object O, which he is viewing, with other users who
are participating in the session.
Unlike shown, the AR object O which is to be shared may be an AR
video. In other words, a flow of continuous AR images may be shared
within a predetermined time.
Referring to FIG. 16, the first user A sets the show home O as the
target for sharing, and the processor of the first electronic
device 500-1 generates a marker M which is to serve as an
identifier for the show home O. In this case, the marker M may be a
unique marker M assigned to the show home O or may be a marker M
arbitrarily created. The first user A controls the manipulator to
operate the marker display 550, and the marker display 550 projects
the marker M to the table R which is the real-world object which
the user is viewing.
The transceiver of the first electronic device 500-1 transfers show
home information and the identification information for the marker
M to the host. The marker identification information includes shape
information for the marker M, AR object information corresponding
to the marker M, and relative position information between the
marker M and the AR object O.
Referring to FIG. 17, the second user B who attends the same
session as the first user A wears a second electronic device 500-2
and views the marker M displayed on the table R. If the external
camera 540 of the second electronic device 500-2 recognizes the
marker M, the transceiver 570 transfers the marker identification
information to the host. Specifically, the processor of the second
electronic device 500-2 may extract only the marker (M) image from
the real world image recognized by the external camera 540,
identifies the marker image, and transfers it to the host. The host
extracts the AR object information corresponding to the marker
identification information provided from the second electronic
device 500-2 and transfers the extracted AR object information to
the transceiver of the second electronic device 500-2.
Referring to FIG. 18, the processor of the second electronic device
500-2 transfers the image signal to the display so that the AR
object O received from the host is shown to the second user B. In
this case, the show home O may be displayed in the position
corresponding to the marker M.
Thus, the first user A and the second user B may view the same AR
object O in the same position as the real-world object R.
FIGS. 19 to 21 illustrate a method for sharing AR information using
a mobile device D as the marker display.
FIG. 19 is a view illustrating an example in which the first user A
displays and sets a marker M on the shared AR object O using the
mobile device D. FIG. 20 is a view illustrating an example in which
a second user B views the marker. FIG. 21 is a view illustrating an
example in which the second user B views the marker (M)-set AR
object O.
Referring to FIG. 19, the first user A sets the show home O as the
target for sharing, and the processor of the first electronic
device 500-1 generates a marker M which is to serve as an
identifier for the show home O. In this case, the marker M may be a
unique marker M assigned to the show home O or may be a marker M
arbitrarily created.
The transceiver of the first electronic device 500-1 transfers the
marker identification information to the mobile device D. The first
user A positions the marker M on the table R which is the
real-world object where the shared AR object O is displayed, with
the marker M displayed on the display of the mobile device D.
The transceiver of the first electronic device 500-1 transfers show
home information and the identification information for the marker
M to the host. The marker identification information includes shape
information for the marker M, AR object information corresponding
to the marker M, and relative position information between the
marker M and the AR object O.
Referring to FIG. 20, the second user B who attends the same
session as the first user A wears a second electronic device 500-2
and views the marker M displayed on the table R. If the external
camera 540 of the second electronic device 500-2 recognizes the
marker M, the transceiver 570 transfers the marker identification
information to the host. The host extracts the AR object
information corresponding to the marker identification information
provided from the second electronic device 500-2 and transfers the
extracted AR object information to the transceiver of the second
electronic device 500-2.
Referring to FIG. 21, the processor of the second electronic device
500-2 transfers the image signal to the display so that the AR
object O received from the host is shown to the second user B. In
this case, the show home O may be displayed in the position
corresponding to the marker M.
Thus, the first user A and the second user B may view the same AR
object O in the same position as the real-world object R.
FIG. 22 is a concept view illustrating an example of projecting a
marker M to thereby share an AR object O according to a first
embodiment of the present disclosure.
Referring to FIG. 22, the first electronic device 500-1 which
intends to share the AR object O and the second electronic device
500-2 with which the AR object O is shared may be connected to the
host C via their respective transceivers and transmit and receive
AR object information and marker identification information to/from
the host C. The AR object O may be stored in the electronic device
500 or may be received by the transceiver of the electronic device
500 from the host C.
The host C may be a shared server, e.g., cloud storage. Cloud
storage is technology in which information may be stored in a
storage space which is located somewhere in the Internet and, as
needed, be retrieved by various terminals. The cloud storage may
also be used for sharing data. If the sharer transfers an address
for accessing the data to the other party, i.e., sharee, the other
party may access the same data via the address.
The shared AR object O includes an AR video as well as an AR image.
The first electronic device 500-1 displays the AR object O on the
display 520.
The first electronic device 500-1 displays the AR object O in the
position corresponding to the real-world object. The first
electronic device 500-1 generates a marker M corresponding to the
AR object O according to the user's command. In this case, the
marker M may be a unique marker M assigned to the AR object O or
may be a marker M arbitrarily created.
The first electronic device 500-1 may project the marker M image in
the position corresponding to the AR object O via the marker
display 550. The marker display 550 may display the marker M on the
real-world object corresponding to the AR object O or may display
the marker M under the AR object O.
The first electronic device 500-1 may transfer the marker M
identification information and AR object O information to the host
C via the transceiver. The marker identification information
includes shape information for the marker M, AR object information
corresponding to the marker M, and relative position information
between the marker M and the AR object O.
Where the AR object O is stored in the host C, the transceiver may
transfer only the identification information for the AR object O or
may otherwise transfer the whole AR object O information.
After the marker M is displayed, the second electronic device 500-2
may recognize the marker M via the external camera 540. The second
electronic device 500-2 transfers the marker M identification
information to the host C via the transceiver. The transceiver
receives the AR object information corresponding to the marker M
from the host C. Where the AR object O is stored in the second
electronic device 500-2, the transceiver may receive only the AR
object O identification information or may otherwise receive the
whole AR object O information.
Lastly, the second electronic device 500-2 displays the AR object O
in the position corresponding to the marker M. Thus, what is shown
to the first electronic device 500-1 may be shown likewise to the
second electronic device 500-2.
Meanwhile, the AR object O displayed on the first electronic device
500-1 may be displayed in the position corresponding to the AR
object, and the marker M may be projected to the real-world object.
The AR object O displayed on the second electronic device 500-2 may
be displayed in the position corresponding to the same real-world
object based on the marker M identification information.
FIG. 23 is a concept view illustrating an example of displaying a
marker M using a mobile device D according to a second embodiment
of the present disclosure.
Referring to FIG. 23, the first electronic device 500-1 of the
first user A may communicate marker identification information and
AR object information with the host C. The mobile device D may
obtain information about the shape of the marker M from the host C.
The mobile device D may obtain the shape information for the marker
M directly from the first electronic device 500-1.
The mobile device D is placed on the real-world object near the AR
object O, with the marker M displayed on the display of the mobile
device D. In this case, the mobile device D may be a hologram
display device.
After the marker M is displayed, the second electronic device 500-2
may recognize the marker M via the external camera 540. The second
electronic device 500-2 transfers the marker M identification
information to the host C via the transceiver. The transceiver
receives the AR object information corresponding to the marker M
from the host C. Where the AR object O is stored in the second
electronic device 500-2, the transceiver may receive only the AR
object O identification information or may otherwise receive the
whole AR object O information.
Lastly, the second electronic device 500-2 displays the AR object O
in the position corresponding to the marker M. Thus, what is shown
to the first electronic device 500-1 may be shown likewise to the
second electronic device 500-2.
FIG. 24 is a concept view illustrating an example of displaying a
marker M using a smart device S according to a third embodiment of
the present disclosure.
Referring to FIG. 24, the first electronic device 500-1 of the
first user A may communicate marker identification information and
AR object information with the smart device S. The smart device S
may mean a device that is able to obtain and transfer AR object
information beyond the mobile device D which merely obtains and
displays marker M information.
The smart device S is placed on the real-world object near the AR
object O, with the marker M displayed on the display of the smart
device S.
After the marker M is displayed, the second electronic device 500-2
may recognize the marker M via the external camera 540. The second
electronic device 500-2 transfers the marker M identification
information to the smart device S via the transceiver. The
transceiver receives the AR object information corresponding to the
marker M from the smart device S. Where the AR object O is stored
in the second electronic device 500-2, the transceiver may receive
only the AR object O identification information or may otherwise
receive the whole AR object O information.
Lastly, the second electronic device 500-2 displays the AR object O
in the position corresponding to the marker M. Thus, what is shown
to the first electronic device 500-1 may be shown likewise to the
second electronic device 500-2.
FIG. 25 is a concept view illustrating an example of directly
sharing virtual reality information between electronic devices 500
according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure.
Referring to FIG. 25, the first electronic device 500-1 and the
second electronic device 500-2 may communicate marker
identification information and AR object information directly via
their respective transceivers. The AR object O may be stored in
each of the first and second electronic devices 500-1 and 500-2,
and the transceiver of the second electronic device 500-2 may
receive the AR object O from the first electronic device 500-1.
The first electronic device 500-1 displays the AR object O on the
display 520. The first electronic device 500-1 displays the AR
object O in the position corresponding to the real-world object.
The first electronic device 500-1 generates a marker M
corresponding to the AR object O according to the user's command.
In this case, the marker M may be a unique marker M assigned to the
AR object O or may be a marker M arbitrarily created.
The first electronic device 500-1 may project the marker M image in
the position corresponding to the AR object O via the marker
display 550. The marker display 550 may display the marker M on the
real-world object corresponding to the AR object O or may display
the marker M under the AR object O.
After the marker M is displayed, the second electronic device 500-2
may recognize the marker M via the external camera 540. The second
electronic device 500-2 transfers the marker M identification
information to the first electronic device 500-1 via the
transceiver. The transceiver receives the AR object information
corresponding to the marker M from the first electronic device
500-1. Where the AR object O is stored in the second electronic
device 500-2, the transceiver may receive only the AR object O
identification information or may otherwise receive the whole AR
object O information.
In other words, the first electronic device 500-1 may transfer the
marker M identification information and AR object O information to
the second electronic device 500-2 via the transceiver. The marker
M identification information includes the shape of the marker M,
the AR object O information corresponding to the marker M, and
information for the position or direction of the marker M.
Lastly, the second electronic device 500-2 displays the AR object O
in the position corresponding to the marker M. Thus, what is shown
to the first electronic device 500-1 may be shown likewise to the
second electronic device 500-2.
Unlike shown in the drawings, the marker M may be displayed using
the mobile device D or smart device S which displays the marker
M.
FIG. 26 is a view illustrating an example of setting multi-object
information to a single marker M according to an embodiment of the
present disclosure.
Although one AR object O corresponds to one marker M in the above
example, a plurality of AR objects O1 to O5 may alternatively
correspond to one marker M. In this case, the plurality of AR
objects O1 to O5 may be arranged not to overlap each other. The
positions of the AR objects O1 to O5 may be arranged within the xyz
space around the marker M.
The marker M may include information for the plurality of pieces of
corresponding AR objects O1 to O5 as identification information. In
this case, the identification information may include information
for the offset from the center of the marker M in the x, y, and z
directions.
Referring to FIG. 26, an AR video (e.g., Mario) O1 may be displayed
in the z direction from the marker M. The AR video O1 may be played
automatically or in response to the user's command. An AR image (a
mushroom) O2 may be displayed in the x direction from the marker M.
Besides, a web browser O3, a mirrored mobile phone screen O4, and a
short-cut icon O5 may be displayed in different, non-overlapping
directions. The web browser O3, the mirrored mobile phone screen
O4, or the short-cut icon O5 may be executed in response to the
user's command. In particular, a messenger, social media, or phone
function may be performed via the short-cut icon O5.
FIG. 27 is a view illustrating an example of setting one piece of
object information based on multiple markers M. FIG. 28 is a view
illustrating an example of setting multi-object information based
on multiple markers M.
The marker M used for identifying the AR object O may be provided
as a combination of different markers M1, M2, and M3 which switch
over time. For example, the different markers M1, M2, and M3 may be
continuously displayed according to frames P1, P2, and P3 in the
same point. The different markers M1, M2, and M3 identify different
AR images O1, O2, and O3.
Referring to FIG. 27, each marker M may correspond to the AR object
O which indicates continuous motions. For example, the AR object O2
corresponding to the marker M2 displayed in the current frame P2
may show the next motion of the AR object O1 corresponding to the
marker M1 displayed in the previous frame P1, and the AR object O3
corresponding to the marker M3 displayed in the subsequent frame P3
may be rendered to differ from that for the current frame P2. In
other words, the AR objects O1 to O3 may represent continuous
motions.
Referring to FIG. 28, each marker M may correspond to different AR
objects O. For example, the marker M2 displayed in the current
frame P2 may correspond to the AR object O2 representing a singer,
the marker M1 displayed in the previous frame P1 may correspond to
the AR object O1 representing a violinist, and the marker M3
displayed in the subsequent frame P3 may correspond to the AR
object O3 representing a drummer.
Described below is a method for displaying a marker M in a
predetermined position in the real world with reference to FIGS. 29
to 31.
FIG. 29 is a view illustrating an example in which an electronic
device 500 projects a marker M in a first position.
Referring to FIG. 29, the electronic device 500 may project the
marker M in the position corresponding to the AR object O via the
marker display 550. In the drawings, the xy coordinates represent
the position where the marker M is displayed in the real world.
FIG. 30 is a view illustrating the position of a projected marker M
when an electronic device 500 moves in the example of FIG. 29.
Where the user turns her head while the electronic device 500
displays the marker M, if the marker display 550 does not turn, the
marker M is moved as the user moves. To prevent such occasion, the
marker display 550 may turn in the opposite direction to the user's
head turn, thereby keeping the marker M in the displayed
position.
For example, the electronic device 500 may detect the user's motion
via the sensor. Specifically, the electronic device 500 may be
aware of detailed information, such as the direction, distance,
angle, and acceleration of the motion, via the sensor. The
processor may control the marker display 550 to enable the marker M
to remain in the same position despite the user's motion based on
the information from the sensor.
FIG. 31 is a view illustrating a variation in a marker M projected
when the electronic device 500 moves out of a range allowed by a
marker display 550 in the example of FIG. 30.
The maximum rotation angle of the marker display 550 is preset. If
the user moves out of the range, the marker display 550 may not
display the marker M any longer in the same position.
For example, where the position of the marker M projected with the
marker display 550 rotated to the maximum is 1 m away along the x
direction from the position set for the AR object O corresponding
to the marker M, a direction indication for the original position
where the marker M is supposed to be displayed, along with the
distance it should be moved, may be displayed to the left of the
marker M. FIG. 31 illustrates an example in which the position
which is 1 m away to the left of the marker M is the original
position where the marker M is supposed to be displayed.
The electronic device 500 may enhance the recognition rate for the
marker M. The recognition rate for the marker M may be enhanced
based on the color, size, brightness, and sharpness.
The processor 530 may recognize the color of the background or the
color of the real-world object around the marker M from the image
obtained by the external camera 540 and generate a marker M by
performing color inversion or color correction on the recognized
color. For example, where a marker M needs to be displayed in a
white background, a black marker M may be generated and, when a
marker M is required in a black background, a white marker M may be
generated.
The processor 530 may adjust the field of view of the marker
display 550 depending on the distance at which the marker M is
projected, thereby enabling projection of the marker M in the
optimal size, brightness, and sharpness. For example, the marker
display 550 may adjust the field of view using a zoom lens or focus
variable lens.
FIGS. 32A, 32B, and 32C are views illustrating the principle of a
zoom lens.
Referring to FIG. 32A, a zoom lens may include a convex lens L1, a
concave lens L2, and a convex lens L3 arranged along the direction
in which light travels and in parallel with each other. The third
lens, i.e., the convex lens L3, may be fixed in position, and the
second lens, i.e., the concave lens L2, may move along the optical
axis between the two convex lenses L1 and L3. As the concave lens
L2 is repositioned between the convex lens L1 and the convex lens
L2, the focal length is varied continuously in proportion to the
position of the concave lens L2.
Referring to FIG. 32B, as the concave lens L2 is positioned close
to the convex lens L1 and relatively far away from the convex lens
L3, the focal length of the optical system may be shortened,
allowing the image to be projected at a wide angle.
Referring to FIG. 32C, as the concave lens L2 is positioned
relatively far away from the convex lens L1 and relatively close to
the convex lens L3, the focal length of the optical system may be
lengthened, allowing the image to be projected far away.
FIG. 33 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an
electronic device 500 according to an embodiment of the present
disclosure.
According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an electronic
device 500 may include an AR object generator 531 for generating an
AR object, a marker generator 532 for generating a marker
corresponding to the AR object, a marker identifier 540 for
identifying the generated marker, a marker display 550 for
displaying the generated marker, and a transceiver 570 for
communicating AR object information and marker identification
information with a host or another electronic device. The AR object
generator 531 and the marker generator 532 may be provided in the
processor 530.
The marker identifier 540 may be an external camera 540 in a broad
meaning and, in a narrow meaning, a means for identifying the
marker image from an image obtained by the external camera 540.
The marker display 550 may be a projector provided in the
electronic device 500 or may be a mobile device provided separately
from the electronic device 500.
The transceiver 570 may communicate data via Wi-Fi.
The marker generator 532 generates marker identification
information, and the transceiver 570 shares the marker
identification information with a host or another electronic
device. The marker identification information may include the shape
of the marker, the position of the marker projected to the real
world, and offset information for the positional deviation between
the real-world object and the marker.
Some of the above-described embodiments are interpreted as
excluding or distinguishing from other embodiments. The components
or functions in some embodiments described above may be used
together or combined with the components or functions in other
embodiments.
For example, component A described in connection with a particular
embodiment and the drawings may be combined or merged with
component B described in connection with another embodiment and the
drawings. In other words, a combination of components, although not
explicitly described, may be rendered possible unless stated as
impossible.
Thus, the above description should be interpreted not as limiting
in all aspects but as exemplary. The scope of the present
disclosure should be determined by reasonable interpretations of
the appended claims and all equivalents of the present disclosure
belong to the scope of the present disclosure.
* * * * *